Whitton Volunteer Fire Department

06/01/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of one of our former firefighters. Kenneth Kines, Though no longer serving with our department, he will always be a part of our fire family.
His dedication, service, and commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on our department and the community we proudly serve. We are grateful for the time he spent alongside us and for the friendships and memories he created throughout his years of service.
Please keep his family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rest easy, brother. Your watch is over, but your legacy will never be forgotten.

The Myrtle Springs Volunteer Fire Department is deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of our own, Kenneth Kines, a valued friend and public servant. Kenneth proudly served the MSVFD and was a dedicated public servant, dedicating many years to serving our community with exceptional commitment and selflessness. His contributions have left a lasting impact, and he will be greatly missed. Always there to lend a helping hand and inspire others, Kenneth was a great friend and a dedicated public servant.

His kindness and dedication will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult time. 🙏

Service information: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/canton-tx/kenneth-kines-12906701

04/26/2026

🚨 Tornado Watch Issued for Our Area 🚨

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for our area. This means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes, along with strong thunderstorms, damaging winds, and large hail.

What you should do:
• Stay weather aware and monitor local alerts
• Have multiple ways to receive warnings (phone alerts, weather radio, etc.)
• Identify your safe place now — an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows
• Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued

A watch means be prepared. A warning means take action immediately.

WVFD personnel are monitoring conditions and ready to respond if needed. Please stay safe and check on your neighbors, especially those who may neeed

03/13/2026

02/24/2026

We recently did some training with our fellow volunteers over in Ben Wheeler and Edom. There's so much behind the scenes training and coordination that happens before we get the call. Appreciate you guys inviting us over!

02/20/2026

🚨 ATTENTION VAN ZANDT COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS! 🚨
Ben Wheeler Fire Department is throwing down the gauntlet!

We are officially inviting and challenging every local department to our 6th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Firefighter Challenge Games!

No entry fee for fire departments… just your pride on the line.

Bring your crew.
Bring your best chili.
Bring someone who can actually win a hose roll for once. 👀

There will be cook-off judging and firefighter games because this isn’t just about cooking…
…it’s about bragging rights for the entire year.

🔥 Do you have the best chili in the county?
🔥 The fastest team?
🔥 Or are you just coming to try to beat Ben Wheeler? (We respect the honesty.)

📍 Behind the Ben Wheeler Fire Department at The Pick’in Porch
🗓 Saturday, February 28
⏰ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

This is a family-friendly fundraiser benefiting BWFD, so bring your department, your families, and your competitive spirit.

We’ll see who’s really the best department in Van Zandt County… 😉

USE THE LINK BELOW TO FILL OUT THE FORM AND COMPETE FOR BEST CHILI!
https://forms.gle/9PMpACXr9LeNAopv8

02/17/2026

Van Zandt is still under a burn ban. Please, do not burn.

🚨 Alert: Critical Wildfire Danger Today (February 17).

Critical fire weather conditions are expected to be widespread across the Texas Panhandle.

High winds, greater than 30 mph, and low humidity will align with dry vegetation across the area and may result in large wildfires that are difficult to control. Any wildfire that ignites in dry vegetation could have forward rates of spread up to five miles per hour and may outpace suppression effort by firefighters. Evacuations may be necessary under these conditions.

Stay WILDFIRE ALERT today! If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.

02/11/2026

Van Zandt County is now under a burn ban. Violation of a burn ban is at least a Class C Misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500. The penalty can go up if it threatens another's property, places another in imminent danger, etc... Please share with everyone as there are very dangerous fire conditions right now.

02/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1WybM9sQDc/

01/26/2026

Van Zandt County burn ban has been lifted

01/24/2026

If you experience a power outage, reporting it the right way helps our crews respond faster and more efficiently.

How to Report an Outage
• Call 1-800-967-9324 for 24-hour outage reporting
• Text OUT to 972-932-2214 if you are enrolled in texting services
• Visit tvec.net/outage-center to report online
• Report in SmartHub

Please do not report outages through social media. It delays the process and does not reach our outage system.

Always assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Stay far away and report them to TVEC or call 911.

Our crews follow a structured process to restore service as safely and quickly as possible:
1️⃣ Damage assessment begins
2️⃣ Critical services like hospitals and emergency facilities are restored first
3️⃣ Substations and main lines are repaired next to restore power to the most members
4️⃣ Individual tap lines and smaller outages are addressed last

If you see crews nearby but your power is still out, they may be working on infrastructure that must be repaired first to safely restore your service.

We appreciate your patience, your preparedness, and your partnership in helping keep everyone safe during potential outages.